Reflexology in the treatment of low back pain: a pilot RCT

Quinn F¹, Baxter D², Hughes C³

¹Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Ulster, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT37 OQB, Northern Ireland, UK

²School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, New Zealand

³School of Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT37 OQB, Northern Ireland, UK

Objective

This pilot was designed as a feasibility study for an RCT to investigate the effectiveness of reflexology in the treatment of low back pain (LBP).

Materials and methods

Ethical permission was given for this study from the University of Ulster’s Research Ethics Committee. Fifteen participants suffering non-specific LBP were recruited and randomised into either a reflexology group or a sham group. Patients and outcome assessor were blinded to group allocation. Each patient received either a 40-min reflexology treatment or sham treatment according to group allocation once per week for six consecutive weeks. Primary outcome measure was a pain VAS, secondary outcome measures were the McGill pain questionnaire, Roland Morris disability questionnaire and SF-36 health survey. Outcome measures were taken at baseline, week 6, week 12 and week 18. Data were entered into SPSS version 11.

Results

Preliminary results indicate that reflexology has a positive effect on LBP as assessed by VAS scores.

Conclusion

Reflexology appears to offer promise as an adjunct treatment in the management of LBP; however, an adequately powered RCT is required before any more definitive pronouncements are possible.

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